Taskiwin

Taskiwin is a martial dance specific to the western High Atlas mountain range in Central Morocco. The dance gets its name from the richly decorated horn each dancer carries, the Tiskt, and involves shaking one’s shoulders to the rhythm of tambourines and flutes. It fosters social cohesion and harmony and provides a key means of socialization for young people.

Transmission to younger generations mainly occurs informally through direct learning. The dance is now limited to a small number of villages and is at risk of disappearing. Globalization has driven it closer to oblivion, reflected by young people’s increasing disdain for traditional heritage in favour of modern artistic practices. The dance is no longer practised by several communities, and the remaining enthusiasts and bearers cannot find aspirants to whom they can transmit their know-how. Craftsmanship relating to the instruments and accessories is also in decline.

In the last two decades, there has been increased collective awareness of the need to ensure the viability of Taskiwin among some communities. To this end, the first dedicated association in the region was created in 1993, followed by several other villages, and several local associations are now being created. The source names no occasion on which it is performed and gives no visitor conduct. Because it does not, and because this dance survives in a small number of villages, the archive records it as not open to visitors — that is this archive’s own caution, not a statement from the source.

Taskiwin is valued for fostering social cohesion and harmony, and for serving as a key means of socialization for young people. It is transmitted mainly through direct learning. Its inscription on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2017 (12.COM) reflects its recognized need for safeguarding.